Chucks hot 10-run fourth inning overtakes Wildcats in cold opener

On a cold and windy season-opening afternoon, Punxsy took one-time through-the-lineup before heating up to the tune of a 10-run fourth frame to overtake Kittanning, 12-2, by the 10-run-rule in five innings, in Punxsutawney. (Left photo) Michael Klingensmith rounds third base for one of his two fourth-inning runs. He laced two hits, including a double, in the frame. (Photo by Chris Myers of The Spirit)

PUNXSUTAWNEY — It may have been sunny outside on Tuesday afternoon, but Phil forgot to turn up the thermostat.

But after a slow opening two frames to start, Punxsy suddenly hit its stride.

Following a pair of scores in the third to tie the game at two, the Chucks changed to hot setting with a 10-run fourth to overtake the Wildcats of Kittanning for a 12-2 five-inning 10-run-rule victory on a cold opener in Punxsutawney.

"It was pretty brutal playing conditions. It took us a while to wake up," noted Punxsy head coach Mike Dickey. "In a game like this, with conditions so harsh, you are happy to come out with the win."